Guest Blog From Lauren R. Tharpe

A Simple Blood Test That Could Save You Thousands of Dollars in Psychiatric Bills

By: Lauren R. Tharp – http://littlezotz.com 

 I do not have Bi-Polar Disorder.

               But, for a while, doctors thought I did.

                                        ……………Let me explain…

 In my teen years, I was acting, well, a little “mental” as my dad would say. So, of course, I was taken to the best “mental” doctors. Various psychiatrists and psychologists hmm’d at my situation, nodding their heads, and stroking their chins: “Bi-Polar Disorder!” “Depression!” “Borderline!”

 They had all sorts of ideas about my situation.

 But why did all of my symptoms virtually disappear sometimes, usually right after a good meal? And why weren’t any of these doctors addressing my physical symptoms—like my cold hands and feet, chronic headaches, or sensitivity to light?

 Long story short, my parents took me to a general practitioner. He investigated my physical symptoms, performed a glucose tolerance test, and I finally had my answer: Hypoglycemia.

 Once I was put on a proper diet, nearly all of my symptoms disappeared! No drugs needed!

 All of those years in psychiatric offices could have been prevented with a simple blood test.

 The sad thing is; my case is not unique. Roberta Ruggiero, founder of the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, has a similar story. She went for over a decade thinking her problem was all in her head—and was even administered electroshock therapy!—before she was finally given a blood sugar test.

 Do I blame the doctors?  Begrudgingly, my answer is “no.”

 Bi-Polar Disorder and Hypoglycemia are shockingly similar!

 Do these symptoms sound familiar? 

Difficulty Concentrating
Emotional Fragility or Sensitivity (Big emotional reactions to “little” things)
Mental Confusion
Brain Chatter
Indecisiveness
Irritability
Exhaustion
Forgetfulness
Chatterbox (Talking more than normal—usually with a lack of “filters.”)
Difficulty Sleeping
Nightmares or Night Terrors
Antisocial Behavior or Noticeable Withdrawal from Activities
Temper Tantrums
Suicidal Thoughts or Tendencies

 That was a list of the side-effects of Hypoglycemia. They’re almost indistinguishable from Bi-Polar Disorder, aren’t they?

 However, if you’re also experiencing any of these symptoms…

 Bad Breath

Muscle Pain (Usually backaches)
Chronic Indigestion
Internal Trembling
Chronically Cold Hands and Feet
Dizziness
Fainting or Blackouts
Chronic Headaches
Light and Noise Sensitivity
Blurry Vision
Numbness
Excessive Sweating
PMS
Heart Palpitations

 …I would urge you to take a blood sugar test!

 Even if you’re sure you have Bi-Polar Disorder, it wouldn’t hurt to get tested. Even the best prescription drugs won’t help you to feel better if you’re a Hypoglycemic and you’re not eating right for your condition.

 On that note, I’d like to mention that Depression does go hand-in-hand with Hypoglycemia. Nearly all Hypoglycemics experience Depression—whether as an actual mental condition or simply as a gnarly “side-effect.”

It’s during these times that I like to keep a copy of Julie Fast’s Get It Done When You’re Depressed by my side. It’s helped me to continue working, even when I really, really didn’t feel like it. Whether you’re Bi-Polar, Hypoglycemic, or something in-between… Get that book!

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